Affluent Savvy
Photo by DSD Pexels Logo Photo: DSD

What zodiac is Japan?

The Japanese zodiac is separated into 12 animals (rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog, and wild boar) and 5 elements (earth, wood, fire, metal, and water). Each year corresponds to a certain animal, and a full cycle is repeated after 12 years.

Is yellow a welcoming color?
Is yellow a welcoming color?

Yellow is perhaps the most peaceful color out there. It's the color of spring, wealth, sunshine and happiness. Rooms draped in yellow tend to...

Read More »
How to increase self confidence from Bhagavad Gita?
How to increase self confidence from Bhagavad Gita?

The answers, in part, lie in the Bhagavad Gita (Gita). ... As you read each of these five principles, allow the spiritual wisdom of these teachings...

Read More »
Awaken your dormant DNA ability to attract wealth effortlessly
Awaken your dormant DNA ability to attract wealth effortlessly

The simple yet scientifically proven Wealth DNA method laid out in the report allows you to effortlessly start attracting the wealth and abundance you deserve.

Learn More »

Team Japanese uses affiliate links. That means that if you purchase something through a link on this site, we may earn a commission (at no extra cost to you). The 12 zodiac signs or juunishi (十二支) are an important element of Japanese culture, especially when a new year rolls in. It is part of the astrological system called eto (干支). The Japanese zodiac uses special kanji that are different from the usual characters for each animal. The Japanese zodiac is separated into 12 animals (rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog, and wild boar) and 5 elements (earth, wood, fire, metal, and water). Each year corresponds to a certain animal, and a full cycle is repeated after 12 years. The kanreki (還暦) or 60th birthday is an important point in a person’s life, because that is when 5 cycles of the juunishi is completed. At 60 years, a person is ‘reborn’ as they go back to the very start of another cycle.

Are the Japanese and Chinese zodiac the same?

Both zodiacs share the same traits, since the Chinese zodiac was introduced to Japan around the 4th to 5th century. There are many myths about the order of animals belonging to the zodiac, but the most popular one that applies to most Asian zodiacs is the myth of the Jade Emperor. There is one difference between the Japanese and Chinese zodiacs, though: instead of a pig, the Japanese zodiac has a wild boar. A typical Japanese new year’s decoration, featuring the 12 animals of the zodiac.

What Japanese zodiac sign is 2022?

2022 is the Year of the Water Tiger or mizunoe tora (壬寅) in Japan! Even before the end of 2021, tiger-related merchandise, calendars, New Year’s cards (nengajo / 年賀状) and decorations became popular in Japan, also anywhere the zodiac is observed. The brave Water Tiger represents strength and courage. An example of a Japanese new year card (nengajo) featuring the zodiac animal of the year.

Rat 子 (ne)

Do Muslims believe in the Ark of the Covenant?
Do Muslims believe in the Ark of the Covenant?

Al-Tha'alibi, in Qisas Al-Anbiya (The Stories of the Prophets), has given an earlier and later history of the Ark. According to Uri Rubin, the Ark...

Read More »
What does God say about getting rich?
What does God say about getting rich?

“Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope...

Read More »
Awaken your dormant DNA ability to attract wealth effortlessly
Awaken your dormant DNA ability to attract wealth effortlessly

The simple yet scientifically proven Wealth DNA method laid out in the report allows you to effortlessly start attracting the wealth and abundance you deserve.

Learn More »

People born in the year of the Rat are intelligent and persuasive, which make them good leaders. They are passionate in achieving success and can come up with creative ways to attain it.

Birth years: 1912, 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020

Ox 丑 (ushi)

Ox people are hardworking and patient. They’re not the type to give up so easily, and many people look up to them for inspiration. Oxen are resourceful and innovative people who can achieve good results.

Birth years: 1913, 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021

Tiger 寅 (tora)

The Tiger has an unpredictable, competitive, and intense nature, making them act on impulse in some situations. They are also courageous and generous individuals who can spark inspiration in others.

Birth years: 1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022

Rabbit 卯 (u)

People born under the Rabbit sign are sensitive and tend to be shy. Their sweet nature makes them the kind of people who hate conflict. It is common belief that these talented Rabbits are the luckiest among the zodiac signs.

Birth years: 1915, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023

Dragon 辰 (tatsu)

They say that the Dragon is the most interesting sign. This Japanese zodiac animal is strong, passionate, and charismatic. Their uniqueness shines through their self-confidence and pride in achieving their ambitions!

Birth years: 1916, 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024

Snake 巳 (mi)

Individuals under the Snake zodiac are full of wisdom and logic! They are deep thinkers, and though they speak very little, they are said to be financially lucky and are some of the most determined and thoughtful people.

Birth years: 1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025

Horse 午 (uma)

People born in the year of the Horse are quick-witted and flexible. They can be free-spirited, often adapting well to sudden changes. Their charisma is what draws people to them, making them popular with their peers!

Birth years: 1918, 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026

What does baking soda do to roaches?
What does baking soda do to roaches?

#2: Baking Soda Is a Convenient Home Remedy for Cockroaches Sugar acts as a bait to attract cockroaches and the baking soda kills them. You just...

Read More »
Who is angel number 11?
Who is angel number 11?

Angel number 11 is a number often called 'the messenger' or 'the teacher' and it is often revealed to those who have a greater purpose within their...

Read More »
Awaken your dormant DNA ability to attract wealth effortlessly
Awaken your dormant DNA ability to attract wealth effortlessly

The simple yet scientifically proven Wealth DNA method laid out in the report allows you to effortlessly start attracting the wealth and abundance you deserve.

Learn More »

Sheep 未 (hitsuji)

The Japanese Sheep zodiac is one of the most creative signs. They are comfortable in expressing themselves through artistic means and are true to their principles. One of their strengths is showing compassion towards others.

Birth years: 1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027

Monkey 申 (saru)

The Monkey zodiac shows a lot of curiosity! Because of their cleverness, they are good at solving problems and coming up with new inventions. Their originality lets them enjoy a simplistic outlook in life.

Birth years: 1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028

Rooster 酉 (tori)

Rooster signs are opinionated and brave. Even if their striking independence might make them critical of others or proud, Roosters use it to become resourceful. They are not afraid to voice out their thoughts and stand up for those who are in need of help.

Birth years: 1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029

Dog 戌 (inu)

Very much like man’s best friend, Dog signs are dutiful and loyal. They are very protective of the people they are closest to. They are also the most sociable sign, not to mention affectionate!

Birth years: 1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030

Boar 亥 (i)

Those who are born in the years of the Wild Boar are the most adventurous and optimistic people! They know the best ways to sit back, relax, and appreciate the little things in life. Boars are also hardworking and honest people.

Birth years: 1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, 2031

Want to learn even more about Japanese language and culture? Get started for free at JapanesePod101.

Sign up for your lifetime free account here!

How do I know if I'm lucky?
How do I know if I'm lucky?

Your attitude towards life is what makes you lucky and unlucky. If you are the person who gets up every day and counts your blessings and all the...

Read More »
How do you prove cash money as a gift?
How do you prove cash money as a gift?

A gift letter is a formal document proving that money you have received is a gift, not a loan, and that the donor has no expectations for you to...

Read More »
What are 3 ways to stop overthinking?
What are 3 ways to stop overthinking?

Here are three strategies I use every day to stop overthinking: Positive reframing. This is often confused with “toxic positivity,” which asks...

Read More »
Awaken your dormant DNA ability to attract wealth effortlessly
Awaken your dormant DNA ability to attract wealth effortlessly

The simple yet scientifically proven Wealth DNA method laid out in the report allows you to effortlessly start attracting the wealth and abundance you deserve.

Learn More »
How do I detox my home air?
How do I detox my home air?

2. Eliminate and Ventilate Use green cleaning products or make your own! Avoid candles. ... Avoid wood-burning fireplaces and stoves. Open up! ......

Read More »